Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson is an American country music singer, songwriter, and actress who has emerged as one of the genre’s brightest stars in the 2020s. Born and raised in Baskin, Louisiana, a tiny town with a population of fewer than 300 people, Wilson grew up surrounded by country music and began writing songs at age nine. At just 17, she moved to Nashville in a camper trailer to pursue her dream of becoming a country music star.

Wilson spent years struggling to break through in Nashville, working odd jobs and performing at small venues while honing her songwriting craft. Her persistence paid off when she signed with Broken Bow Records and released her debut album “Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin'” in 2021. The album’s standout track “Things a Man Oughta Know” became her breakthrough hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and earning her widespread recognition as a powerful new voice in country music.

Her second album, “Bell Bottom Country,” released in 2022, solidified her position at the top of the genre. The album featured hits including “Heart Like a Truck” and “Watermelon Moonshine.” Wilson dominated the 2023 CMA Awards, winning Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and the coveted Entertainer of the Year award, making her only the seventh woman to win the top prize. She also expanded into acting with a recurring role on the hit Paramount series Yellowstone.

Wilson’s wealth has been built through a combination of hit records, sold-out tours, songwriting royalties, acting income, and brand endorsements. Her Wildflowers and Wild Horses Tour was a commercial success, and she has become one of the most sought-after performers in country music. Her authentic style, which she calls “bell bottom country,” has earned her a dedicated fanbase and numerous accolades, cementing her status as a leading figure in modern country music.